New Mexico EMBEZZLEMENT CHARGES

Embezzlement is misappropriating someone else’s money and using it for one’s own purposes. Embezzlement tends to occur in places of employment. If you have been charged with embezzlement, you deserve to receive high quality legal representation. Being accused of abusing trust and stealing can jeopardize your freedom and the ability to secure employment in the future. Unfortunately, even when you are innocent, merely being charged with the crime can be detrimental. New Mexico Legal Group has the experience you need to help you deal with these charges.

Definition of Embezzlement

Embezzlement occurs when people violate a position of trust by taking funds belonging to someone else or belonging to a business and using it for their own purposes. According to New Mexico statutes, embezzlement is a:

Petty misdemeanor if the embezzled items are worth $250 or less

Full misdemeanor if the embezzled items are worth $250 but less than $500

Fourth degree felony if the embezzled items are worth $500 but less than $2,500

Third degree felony if the embezzled items are worth $2,500 but less than $20,000

Second degree felony if the items embezzled are worth $20,000 or more

Embezzlement Punishments

The criminal punishments for embezzlement vary based whether the conviction is for a felony or misdemeanor. Felony convictions usually get can harsher sentencing by the court. Prior convictions, the overall value of the funds or items embezzled, and any mitigating factors are all taken into consideration. Punishments include:

Up to 6 months in jail and maximum $500 fine for a petty misdemeanor

Up to 1 year in jail, up to $1,000 fine, and up to 1 year of probation for full misdemeanor

Up to 18 months in prison for fourth degree felony

Up to 3 years in prison for third degree felony

Up to 9 years in prison for second degree felony

Embezzlement Defenses

Embezzlement cases usually involve evidence of financial transactions that can be traced directly or indirectly to the person being accused of the crime. During our investigation and the discovery phase of the case, we carefully review all of the evidence collected by the prosecution. Sometimes conclusions are made based on presumptions rather than hard facts. We will contest any inconsistencies and errors found in the evidence and witness testimony. We will construct a defensive legal strategy that strives to result in dismissed or reduced charges or a not guilty verdict if we take the case to trial.

Consultation with a New Mexico Embezzlement Defense Attorney

Get the strong defensive representation you deserve by calling (505) 843-7303. We provide legal assistance to people residing in Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and other cities throughout New Mexico.

Free No-Obligation Case Evaluation

Fill Out Form Below

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Case Description*

Download Our Free E-Book

"There aren't words enough to express my joy and admiration for all your fine efforts your office and staff put forth in this victorious outcome you delivered to me."
- D.P., Albuquerque, N.M.
“I wanted to thank you for your great work in getting my husband’s case dismissed. I was confident from the beginning that everything would turn out o.k., but I was truly amazed by your handling of the state’s witnesses at trial.”
- C.K., Albuquerque
“Cynthia managed my case with courteous professionalism. Her responses to my inquiries were always timely, along with those of her assistant. Cynthia’s careful attention to detail placed us in the best possible position to achieve the eventual positive outcome for the case – she made all the right ‘moves’.”
- M.S., Albuquerque